Tarsal coalition

Tarsal coalition

Partial collision is a congenital condition in which there is an abnormal connection between the bones of the hind foo. Two of the tarsal bones fail to separate from each other during early development. There are three types of tarsal coalitions that causes a stiff foot that is sometimes flattened.

Since the bones in early childhood are primarily made of cartilage, collisions are often unnoticed until childhood or adolescence when children start to have pain, stiffness or swelling. X-rays do not show cartilage, so they are not accurate until adolescence when it turns to bone. Also, the foot is more prone to injury with activity as cartilage matures into bone. Some children never have symptoms and do not require treatment. Conservative treatment includes, decreasing sports activities, Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, icing and custom shoe inserts/orthotics to help limit the motion.

At the Foot, Ankle and Leg Vein Center we try conservative measures first, however if initial treatment is unsuccessful surgery is indicated. The exact surgical procedure depends on the type and severity of the tarsal coalition and the age of the patient, which will be determined after careful evaluation. Sometimes a CT scan or MRI will be required in addition to weight bearing x-rays to help determine the severity of the coalition. Risks, complications and you’re peri operative care will be explained to you before the surgery.